University of New Brunswick

What University of New Brunswick does

The University of New Brunswick (UNB), established in 1785, is Canada's oldest English-language university and operates as a public research institution and Crown corporation of the Province of New Brunswick. It delivers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across two primary campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, with an additional nursing-focused site in Moncton and an international student recruitment office in Beijing. UNB serves domestic Canadian students, international students (including pathway cohorts from the UAE and China), industry and government research partners, and startup ventures through its entrepreneurship programs. Its research portfolio spans cybersecurity, nursing simulation, environmental and coastal sciences, biomedical engineering, maritime/defense technologies, and energy innovation, anchored by named institutes including the McKenna Institute (cybersecurity), Canadian Rivers Institute, J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, and the Advanced Manufacturing Convergence Hub.

UNB's product surface includes accredited degree programs (across Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Nursing, Law, Computer Science, and Kinesiology), the Summer Institute (3-month startup accelerator now in its 12th year) and Axis Accelerator (6-month B2B program), extended-reality nursing simulation, and applied research services delivered through formal MOUs with enterprise and government clients such as Hanwha Ocean, Bell Canada, IBM, and NASA. Core technology differentiators include the only INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement in Canada (secured on first submission), exclusive North American IBM Watson for Cybersecurity academic partnership, XR/VR nursing simulation infrastructure, and the Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network. The institution also generates startup spin-offs such as Seagreen Solutions NB (seaweed-to-biochar).

UNB's revenue model combines recurring tuition (published rates for domestic and international students across faculties), government operating appropriations from federal and provincial sources, competitive research grants (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC and industry contracts), corporate philanthropy and partnerships (Bell Canada, Scotiabank, RBC, Harrison McCain Foundation), and transactional revenue from campus facilities including the Wu Conference Centre. Distribution is multi-channel: direct-to-consumer admissions, campus-based delivery, online and continuing education via the Centre for Learning Futures, channel-partner pathway programs (Canadian University Dubai, MS Education Consultants), and enterprise-level research partnership agreements. UNB reports a 2016-17 operating budget of $192M+ with a consolidated net deficit of $2.6M; more recent revenue figures are not disclosed.

Name

University of New Brunswick

Legal name

University of New Brunswick

Website

https://unb.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1785

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The University of New Brunswick, founded 1785, is Canada's oldest English-language public research university operating multi-campus delivery across Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton, serving domestic and international students through degree programs while partnering with industry and government on applied research in cybersecurity, maritime, and health sciences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Strong Industry Partnerships (EDAHAEAG), Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus (EDAHAEAL)

Keywords

• Higher education programs
• University research services
• Undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Startup accelerator programs
• Nursing simulation education

Headquarters

HQ city

Fredericton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate and Graduate Tuition: Revenue from domestic and international student tuition across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs including nursing, engineering, business, and liberal arts.
2. Continuing Education and Online Programs: Revenue from UNB's Centre for Learning Futures, professional development courses, and online program offerings.
3. Research Grants and Contracts: Funding from federal and provincial government research councils (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and industry research partnerships for specific research projects.
4. Government Operating Funding: Base operating funding from provincial and federal government appropriations for post-secondary education.
5. Corporate Partnerships and Donations: Corporate investments and philanthropy from organizations like Bell Canada ($1M to McKenna Institute), Scotiabank, RBC, and other corporate partners.
6. Conference and Event Services: Revenue from Wu Conference Centre and other campus facilities hosting conferences, events, and academic gatherings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

University of New Brunswick is a public research university delivering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across multiple faculties, supported by research institutes and industry partnerships. Core services include on-campus degree education, online and continuing education, applied research collaboration, and startup incubation through the J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship. Specialized offerings include an INACSL-endorsed nursing simulation program using extended reality, cybersecurity talent development via the McKenna Institute, and research partnerships in maritime engineering, environmental science, and biomedical engineering.

Product overview

The University of New Brunswick operates as a comprehensive research university offering educational programs and supporting technology-based economic development through multiple interconnected centers and programs. The core technology entrepreneurship ecosystem includes the J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, which delivers the Summer Institute (3-month startup accelerator) and Axis Accelerator (6-month B2B accelerator at Saint John). The McKenna Institute drives cybersecurity innovation with AI-powered defense capabilities. Research institutes include the Canadian Rivers Institute (aquatic sciences), Institute of Biomedical Engineering (bionics/prosthetics), and Advanced Manufacturing Convergence Hub. The institution also supports startup spin-offs like Seagreen Solutions NB (seaweed-based biochar), and delivers specialized academic programs including INACSL-endorsed nursing simulation education using extended reality technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship UNB center delivering technology entrepreneurship education, startup incubation, and accelerator programming including Summer Institute and Axis Accelerator.
• Summer Institute Three-month accelerator program offering funding, skills training, and coaching to socially and environmentally impactful startup ventures (6 companies per cohort).
• Axis Accelerator

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 5.3% global university ranking (CWUR 2026)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• Canadian University DubaiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 April 2026Canadian University Dubai and UNB launched a pathway program enabling students to progress toward a degree at UNB, expanding international student recruitment in the UAE and Middle East region.
• MS Education ConsultantsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 March 2026Dr Mariam Shaikh, Founder & CEO of MS Education Consultants, established partnerships with Canadian universities including UNB, supporting bilateral academic engagements and international student recruitment in the UAE.
• Hanwha OceanflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026UNB joined University of Toronto and Dalhousie University in signing MOUs with South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean for maritime research, Arctic-capable technologies, and smart maritime systems. The partnership supports Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project and aligns with the Industrial and Technological Benefits framework and Buy Canadian policy.
• Dalhousie UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2026Dalhousie joined UNB and University of Toronto in signing MOUs with Hanwha Ocean for submarine supply chain partnerships, with academic collaborations focused on AI-enabled naval systems, Arctic-capable vessel technologies, and underwater acoustic research.
• Bell CybercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026Bell Cyber partnered with McKenna Institute to create an industry-led training program designed to provide applied, real-world experience for job-ready cybersecurity professionals. The partnership aims to strengthen Bell's enterprise cybersecurity offerings while contributing to Canada's broader cybersecurity ecosystem and national security.
• IBMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2016UNB was one of only 8 universities in North America chosen by IBM to help adapt Watson cognitive technology for cybersecurity. IBM also expanded operations in New Brunswick creating 100 new full-time jobs in the security division. UNB works with IBM Watson for Cyber Security to enhance security operations.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dalhousie University: Atlantic Canada's other major research university, co-signatory with UNB on the Hanwha Ocean MOU. Directly comparable in size, scope, and Atlantic Canadian market, with overlapping strengths in health sciences, engineering, and research.
• University of Toronto: Co-signatory with UNB on the Hanwha Ocean submarine research MOU. While much larger, UofT is a direct institutional peer in STEM research partnerships, defense research, and Canadian university funding competition.
• McGill University: Another Canadian public research university competing for international students, research funding, and faculty talent. Comparable in research intensity and program breadth, with stronger global brand recognition.
• University of British Columbia: Large Canadian public research university with comparable applied research partnerships, co-op programs, and international student recruitment. Competes directly with UNB in Asian student markets.
• University of Waterloo: Canadian STEM-focused public research university with comparable strengths in computer science, cybersecurity, and co-operative education. Closest peer to UNB's engineering and applied sciences orientation.
• Queen's University: Mid-sized Canadian public research university with comparable research intensity, professional schools (including law), and undergraduate-focused experience. Direct competitor for Canadian student applications.
• University of Alberta: Western Canadian public research university with comparable engineering, nursing, and business programs. Competes for federal research council funding (NSERC, CIHR) and graduate student recruitment.
• University of Calgary: Western Canadian research university with overlapping energy, engineering, and biomedical research strengths. Comparable in size and scope, and a destination for faculty recruited from Western Canada.
• Western University (University of Western Ontario): Mid-sized Ontario research university with comparable professional programs, research intensity, and international student recruitment. Direct competitor for graduate and professional school applicants.
• University of Ottawa: Bilingual Canadian research university with comparable size, applied research partnerships, and federal government research funding access. Direct competitor for bilingual and international students.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/UNBFredericton
• Facebookfacebook.com/uofnb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-new-brunswick

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds10 records

Investors8 records

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M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University of New Brunswick